I’m turning 65 this year and I plan to retire. When am I eligible to enroll in Medicare?
Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements, your Initial Enrollment Period generally starts three months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after. See enrollment timing.
Can my dependent spouse be on my Medicare plan?
Medicare does not have spousal or dependent coverage; Medicare is individual. When your spouse reaches age eligibility, they can enroll on their own, starting three months before the month they turn 65.
Can I keep my employer coverage?
Maybe. If you continue working and the employer has 20 or more employees, it may be an option, and you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. But there are many things to consider, including how Medicare coordinates with the plan. Read about the Special Enrollment Period.
Do I need to enroll in Part A and Part B of Medicare?
Part A is premium-free for most people at 65. If you already receive Social Security benefits, you are generally enrolled in Parts A and B automatically. If you have not filed for Social Security, you generally need to enroll in Part B yourself and begin paying its premium, unless a qualifying exception applies.
Can I just have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) as my health insurance at retirement?
Yes. However, you will not have retail prescription coverage unless you add Part D, and Original Medicare has no annual out-of-pocket limit for Part A and Part B services.
Can I keep all my same doctors when I’m on Medicare?
You usually can with Original Medicare, as long as your doctor accepts Medicare; some don’t. With Medicare Advantage, check that the doctor is in the plan’s network.
Does Medicare cover me if I’m in a nursing home?
Medicare Part A may cover qualifying short-term skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days per benefit period after a qualifying inpatient hospital stay, with coinsurance for days 21–100 ($217/day in 2026). Long-term custodial nursing home care is generally not covered.
Does Medicare have dental plans?
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited dental coverage.
I am entitled to retiree benefits. Does that mean I won’t need Medicare?
No. A retiree plan typically works alongside Medicare, with Medicare paying first. Check your retiree plan’s rules before making a decision.
What is Part D?
Part D is Medicare prescription drug coverage, introduced in 2006. Learn more about Part D.
What happens if I miss my enrollment window?
You may have a gap in coverage and may face a late enrollment penalty. The Part B penalty is generally 10% of the standard premium for each full 12-month period you could have enrolled but didn’t. The Part D penalty is generally 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for each full month without Part D or other creditable drug coverage.
What is a Part C plan?
Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage, also called MA, or MA-PD when prescription coverage is included. Learn more about Medicare Advantage.
Where do I go to get signed up for Medicare?
Online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office.
What is creditable coverage?
Prescription coverage expected to pay, on average, at least as much as standard Medicare drug coverage. It matters for Part D: keeping creditable coverage can help you avoid the Part D late enrollment penalty.
Should I have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan?
No. Medigap supplements Original Medicare, while Medicare Advantage is another way to receive your Medicare benefits. Medigap cannot pay Medicare Advantage cost sharing.
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Not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal government, Medicare, or the Social Security Administration. This page provides general Medicare education. Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board handles enrollment in Parts A and B.